Tamil Nadu witnessed a significant political development as the state cabinet expanded under Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay’s TVK-led government. Two Congress MLAs, S Rajesh Kumar and P Viswanathan, were sworn in as ministers, marking a rare return to power-sharing for the Congress party after decades. Rajesh Kumar received the tourism portfolio, while Viswanathan was assigned higher education.
Oath Ceremony Highlights
During the swearing-in ceremony, Rajesh Kumar began praising Congress leaders, but the Governor gently interrupted him, reminding the minister of protocol. The incident underscored the formalities expected during such official proceedings.
Cabinet Expansion Details
The expansion included 23 new ministers, strengthening the alliance between TVK and Congress, along with smaller parties. This move is seen as a strategic consolidation of power, bringing diverse political forces together under the TVK-led coalition.
The inclusion of Congress MLAs in the cabinet is notable, as the party has not held ministerial positions in Tamil Nadu for many years. This development signals a new phase of political collaboration in the state.
